Lisa Marie Simmons

Notespeak 12

Ropeadope, 2023

8/10

Listen to Notespeak 12

The multi-faceted artist Lisa Marie Simmons brings her inimitable vocals to this calm, personal and collaborative effort that welcomes many superb players to the jazz affair.

“Blaze” starts the listen with Simmons’ expressive spoken work alongside Marco Cremaschini’s playful keys, Mauro Negri’s bright tenor sax and Donata Greco’s airy flute, and “Can We Agree?” follows with a unique rhythm that benefits from Ernest Ikwanga’s soothing guitar and Laura Masotto’s elegant violin.

In the middle, “Individually One” recruits Manuel Caliumi’s adventurous alto sax and Negri’s drumming acrobatics amid Simmons’ alluring prose, while “Another String Pulled From The Theory” is populated by Weedie Braimah’s lively percussion and Marco Cocconi’s precise bass work in the mesmerizing album highlight.

Close to the end, “Elegy”makes great use of Federico Pierantoni’s moody trombone in the intimate landscape, and “The Twelfth Thing” exits with a very stylish percussive appeal and, of course, strong attention to linguistics thanks to Simmons’ inimitable talent.

A multi-leveled musical jazz hybrid, both western culture and AfroBeat ideas are present, and the many players on hand certainly help cultivate a very unique free jazz, avant-garde and modern jazz experience you’re not going to hear anywhere else.

Travels well with: Dred Scott- Rides Alone; Claudia Acuña- Duo

Max Johnson

When The Streets Were Quiet

New Focus, 2023

8/10

Listen to When The Streets Were Quiet

The Brooklyn composer, bassist and bandleader Max Johnson steers right into chamber territory across these 4 very rich compositions, where the violinist Lauren Cauley, violist Carrie Frey, cellist Maria Hadge, clarinetist Lucy Hatem, and pianist Fifi Zhang are in attendance.

“Minerva” starts the listen with the unpredictable strings and tense clarinet interacting with the harmonic and melodic bursts that allow for solo and duo passages, and “Nine O’Clock When The Streets Were Quiet” follows with much focus on the expressive clarinet, as the strings make for an eerie backdrop in the curiously textured 14+ minutes.

The back half consists of “String Trio”, where the cello, violin and viola center around pitch and tonality and later shifts towards rhythmic qualities, while “Echoes Of A Memory” exits with clarinet, viola and piano making for high notes, intimate ebbs, and, later on, bare gestures of warmth and mystery.

An extremely eclectic listen that embraces avant-garde, experimentalism and improvisational moments, Johnson and company make each track here worth repeated listens that instill much awe and fascination.

Travels well with: Lei Liang- Hearing Landscapes/Hearing Icescapes; Scott L. Miller- Coincident

Eric Lilley Trio

Three

Twin Goat, 2023

8/10

Listen to Three

The pianist Eric Lilley has enjoyed a 4 decade career that includes playing alongside Chuck Berry and Donna Summer, among many others, and this 3rd release includes 9 originals that were fleshed out with Mark Diamond and Tony Black at his side.

“Goats” starts the listen with Black’s swift drums, Diamond’s animated bass and Lilley’s meticulous keys illuminating the timeless Latin jazz spirit, and “Jereices’ Step” follows with a glowing melody amid the bouncy rhythm section.

Halfway through, “Bill Evans” showcases Lilley’s playful key progressions amid the frisky drumming, while “May Day” trims the pace back with a stirring intimacy that’s quite charming and dreamy.

Close to the end, “Any Day Now” carries a reflective quality, where Lilley’s finger acrobatics are front and center, and “Visiting Hours” exits with help from Jose Espino’s percussion for the atmospheric and moody finish.

Lilley possesses the education and experience that makes this cultured display of jazz a truly exceptional body of work that can swing, get sentimental and is often harmonically exciting.

Travels well with: David Larsen- The Peplowski Project; Chris Keefe- Opening

David Larsen

The Peplowski Project

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Peplowski Project

The saxophonist, educator and composer David Larsen never disappoints, and this time around he’s got the esteemed clarinetist Ken Peplowski, plus many others, on hand for the jazz standards and originals that are lively and swingin’.

“All The Things You Are” starts the listen with Peplowski’s cozy clarinet and Josh Skinner’s bouncy bass complementing Larsen’s meticulous playing, and “Black Nightgown” follows with Brendan McMurphy’s agile drumming and Jake Svendsen’s graceful keys adding much texture to the radiant brass and winds.

Halfway through, “In A Sentimental Mood” is indeed reflective, intimate and flows with a poetic demeanor, while “Into The Mild” bops and shakes with a contagious energy of timeless jazz that benefits much from soulful and adventurous sax playing.

Further still, “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” displays a dynamic chemistry between the players that’s rich and warm, and “Two Funky People” exits with both cautious and exploratory ideas that allows Larsen’s sax to really explore its boundless vision.

Larsen and company pay tribute to legends like Al Cohn, Duke Ellington and Johnny Mandel, to a name a few, and the originals are just as memorable in this straight ahead jazz affair.

Travels well with: Chris Keefe- Opening; Melvin Smith- Perseverance

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy

Canvas

Linus, 2023

9/10

Listen to Canvas

A pair of world class Celtic fiddlers, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy bring their esteemed talent to these 13 very diverse and exciting tracks that host many excellent contributors.

The title track begins the listen with much atmosphere and swift fiddle acrobatics alongside the wordless vocals, and “Colour Theory” follows with Brian Finnegan’s whistle and flute adding much, you guessed it, colour, to the rich and dynamic song craft.

Further on, Yo-Yo Ma’s elegant cello prowess is very much appreciated on the intimate and dreamy “So You Love”, which also provides a platform for Mary Frances Leahy’s swift piano, while “Carmelo” places the dancing piano alongside Rosendo Chendy Leon’s well timed percussion, and, of course, the stunning fiddle playing from the duo.

“Wish You Were Near” and “Voice Memo” exit the listen, where the former showcases Robyn Cunningham’s flowing and expressive voice as the setting builds into a lush album highlight, and the latter has the dueling fiddles emitting much creativity and awe.

This is the husband and wife’s 3rd album together, and it’s full of rock, pop and Latin influences that illustrate a profound familiarity with their instruments and a timeless vision of worldly folk music.

Travels well with: Eric Bibb- Ridin’; Lynn Miles- TumbleTweedyWorld

Nina Diaz

I Could Be You, You Could Be Me

Self-Released, 2022

10/10

Listen to I Could Be You, You Could Be Me

The multi-faceted artist Nina Diaz pens her most raw and vulnerable release yet, where she handles vocals, guitar, bass and keys, and Jorge Gonzalez sits in on drums for songs that surround speaking up, facing fears, personal growth, and what is in metaphysical circles called, Shadow Work

“Give It All You Got” starts the listen with playful synth, as a very adventurous, New Wave inspired setting unfolds with much melody and grit in the buzzing rock, and “Silly Situation” follows with a warm demeanor of crisp and reflective indie-rock.

Further along, the throbbing bass and experimental ideas of “Marigold” are certainly indebted to ‘90s alt-rock but with a modern pop flair, too, while “This Crazy Feeling” gallops with a retro-spirit that quickly builds into a busy, anthemic album highlight that’s hard hitting yet harmonic.

Close to the end, “On The Other Side” carries a calm, soulful demeanor that eventually leads into an ebullient outpouring, and “Break The News” exits with a bit of a jangle amid the fierce bouts of fuzzed out rock.

I’m actually a bit embarrassed to admit that I’m not at all familiar with Diaz’s previous and long running band Girl In A Coma, cause that experience certainly laid the groundwork for this sturdy, eclectic and authentic formula that somehow reminds us of The Smiths, Nirvana, Patti Smith and Jeff Buckley all at once.

Travels well with: Circlons- When Only The Music Is Pretty; The Dickies- I Dig Go-Go Girls/The Dreaded Pigasaurus

Mighty Poplar

Mighty Poplar

Free Dirt, 2023

8/10

Listen to Mighty Poplar

A bluegrass supergroup that consists of Andrew Marlin from Watchhouse, Noam Pikelny and Chris Eldridge from Punch Brothers, Greg Garrison (Leftover Salmon), and Alex Hargreaves (Billy Strings), as Mighty Poplar the quintet capture a very contagious energy that seems like an impromptu jam session between longtime friends.

“A Distant Land To Roam” starts the listen with Pikelny’s swift banjo adding much warmth to the soaring vocal harmonies, and “Up On The Divide” follows with Hargreaves’ emotive fiddle helping make for a glowing intimacy that’s dripping with heartfelt melodies.

The middle track belongs to “Blackjack Davy”, where the dynamic string interaction is both adventurous and cautious, while “North Country Blues” emits a stirring presence thanks to the lovely mandolin and Eldridge’s agile and emotive guitar playing amid the expressive singing.

Close to the end, “Kicking Up The Devil On A Holiday/Dr. Hecock’s Jig” opens bare, but builds into a rich instrumental that’s swift, and “Story Of Isaac” exits with a calm, poetic delivery of absorbing song craft that really spotlights Marlin’s inviting voice.

An extremely detailed and timeless display of bluegrass sounds, the immense talent present packs each tune with emotions, grooves and lush songwriting that will be sure to grab the attention of any bluegrass fan.

Travels well with: Arkansauce- Ok To Wonder; Chicago Farmer- Flyover Country

The Pat Petrillo Big Rhythm Band

The Power Station Sessions

Self-Released, 2023

8/10

Listen to The Power Station Sessions

The esteemed session drummer Pat Petrillo has an impressive resume that includes playing alongside Gloria Gaynor, Patti Labelle and many others, and here the New Jersey resident guides his group through 9 exploratory jazz tunes.

“48th Street” gets the listen off to a lively start, where Nile Rodgers’ bright guitar and Steve Jankowski’s soulful trumpet complement Petrillo’s drumming acrobatics, and “Big Man On Mulberry Street” continues that energy with Oz Noy’s meticulous guitar and David Cook’s fluid piano playing.

Elsewhere, “Black Cow'‘ welcomes Scott Ambush’s bouncy bass and Tom Timko’s elegant woodwinds amid Petrillo’s thumping drums, while “It Won’t Be Long” is populated by John Popper’s inimitable harmonica and Glen Burtnik’s smooth, diverse vocals in the jazz-rock.

Approaching the end, the radiant intimacy of “Knocks Me Off My Feet” embraces John Replogle’s cozy trumpet and Meredith Foreman’s animated alto sax, and the rowdy “Hey, Pocky Way” exits with Garrett Faccone’s upbeat trumpet and Greg Novick’s adventurous bass lines that will get your body moving to the infectious landscape.

An excellent listen that’s never short on R&B, funk, blues, rock and jazz moments, Petrillo and company are well versed in post-bop and fusion sensibilities that ensure a great time.

Travels well with: The Lucky Losers- Standin’ Pat; Early Times & The High Rollers- The Corner

Tigeroak

Living And Living

April, 2023

8/10

Listen to Living And Living

The Danish neo-soul duo of Laurits Steen Møberg and Anna Prinds, as Tigeroak the pair draw inspiration from underground jazz, hip-hop and plenty of Nordic ideas across these 9 unique songs.

The title track opens with a dreamy presence, where Peter Marott’s well timed trumpet complements Prinds’ lovely vocals and light drumming, and “Listening For Noises” follows with Møberg’s precise guitar playing amid the warm beauty that benefits much from Martine Bak Toldam’s gentle piano.

Further on, the playful “People” welcomes Ditte Warrer Bech’s airy flute alongside the subtle hip-hop nods that showcase Møberg’s bouncy bass, while “I Remember” places Jakob Marker on drums for the slow burning, elegant, soulful album highlight.

Near to the end, “Eyes Finding Eyes” is full of rich song craft and precisely layered vocals for a frisky yet cautious landscape, and “Deep In The Forest Pt. II” exits with a shimmering intimacy of stunning vocal acrobatics and a lovely guitar tone.

Certainly experimental in nature and putting a fresh coat of paint on modern jazz sounds, Tigeroak’s strong attention to mood, melody and lyrical phrasing should make anyone a fan who’s willing to listen.

Travels well with: Laura Schuler Quartet- Sueños Paralelos; Luumu- Elephant Love Song

Stephen Stills

Live At Berkeley 1971

Omnivore, 2023

8/10

Listen to Live At Berkeley 1971

The legendary musician Stephen Stills was touring under his own name in the early ‘70s, and these previously unreleased recordings took place over two nights at the Berkeley Community Theater and welcome David Crosby on a couple of tunes.

‘Love The One You’re With” opens the listen with swift and flowing acoustic guitar amid the quick drumming and Stills’ inimitable vocals, and “Do For The Others” follows with a harmonic, folk friendly display of emotive song craft.

Crosby’s contributions arrive early on in the listen, where he harmonizes with Stills on the breezy “You Don’t Have To Cry”, while “The Lee Shore” finds a dreamy place to reside with its cozy acoustic guitar and poetic singing.

Further on, “Black Queen” has Stills manipulating his guitar with a bluesy appeal that’s quite stylish, and “Lean On Me” recruits a full horn section for the rowdy and roaring funk rocker. “Ecology Song” exits the listen, and it’s a brisk and dynamic retro-rocker that’s gritty, busy and full of exciting musicianship.

This tour had Stills performing a bare acoustic first set, and closing each night with a lively electric set featuring the Memphis Horns. We’re treated to plenty of both, and it comes with the drummer Dallas Taylor, bassist Calvin “Fuzzy” Samuels, keyboardist Paul Harris, guitarist Steve Fromholz, and percussionist Joe Lala.

An artist who made so much great music with Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Manassas, Stills also enjoyed an exceptional solo career, and these recordings capture him at a very unpredictable and energetic point in his work.

Travels well with: David Crosby & The Lighthouse Band- Live At The Capitol Theatre; Paul Weller- Fat Pop (Volume 1)

Jenn Howard

Valiant Women

Bathtub, 2023

9/10

Listen to Valiant Women

The New Orleans born and raised Jenn Howard brings us a sophomore album of Americana-soul sounds, where the singer-songwriter undergoes some serious self-reflection that retains all the hallmarks of The Big Easy in her song craft.

“Better Than You Think” gets the listen off to a lively start, where André Bohren’s animated drums and bright brass illuminate Howard’s gritty yet pretty voice, and it isn’t long until Ivan Neville’s presence on “On Microphone” makes for a soulful and powerful experience that also showcases Mike Robbins’ playful bass.

The middle spots belong to the intimate and warm “Hold On”, where Harry Hardin’s violin and viola add much grace to the stirring climate, while “Pocket Fox” spotlights Felix Wohlieben’s hypnotic guitar work that helps the tune build into an ebullient and fierce album highlight.

Close to the end, the retro feel of “Lay Down The Law” finds plenty of frisky grooves, and the title track exits with Howard also handling guitar on the bare, folk influenced finish that allows her diverse pipes to shine.

A very eclectic affair that tosses in folk, country, funk and blues, among other ideas, Howard is a woman with stories to tell that you’ll want to hear over and over again.

Travels well with: Amber Nicholson- Far Away Dreaming; Jaimee Harris- Boomerang Town

Amit Peled

Bach 6 With 4

CTM, 2023

8/10

Listen to Bach 6 With 4

The cello professor Amit Peled brings along the Mount Vernon Virtuosi Cello Gang for this creative endeavor that has Sahun Hong arranging 4 cellos which interpret the time honored work of Bach.

The opening track, “Prelude”, has the strings interacting with incredible grace and warmth, and “Allemande” follows with a strong sense of melody that’s delivered with much beauty and atmosphere.

In the middle, “Courante” illustrates a very dynamic chemistry between the players, as the album highlight soars with an uplifting appeal, while “Sarabande” emits a stirring intimacy that flows with so much meticulousness. The final track, “Gigue”, is full of rich musicianship that’s exciting, unpredictable and captivating.

Peled is joined by Natalia Vilchis, Jiaoyang Xu, and Nick Pascucci, and together they rewrite some timeless classical sounds that are refreshing, animated and universally enjoyable.

Travels well with: Amit Peled- Solus Et Una; Itamar Zorman- Violin Odyssey

Chris Keefe

Opening

Zugzwangbebop, 2023

8/10

Listen to Opening

On this first recording as leader, the pianist Chris Keefe brings along Harvie S. and Adam Nussbaum for standards and originals that take inspiration from legends like Wynton Kelly and Keith Jarrett.

“Got A Chick?” opens the listen with Nussbaum’s animated drumming complementing Keefe’s swift and meticulous piano playing in the timeless jazz setting, and “Modern” follows with a frisky mood that benefits much from Harvie S.’s bouncy bass work.

In the middle, the intimate “I Fall In Love Too Easily” showcases much emotion from Keefe’s piano, while “Just In Time” emits plenty of melody and warmth thanks to the dynamic rhythm section and unpredictable key progressions. The final track, “Dream”, is indeed dreamy, and allows for much beauty from Keefe’s playing, as the soft drums and subtle but effective bass make a lasting impression.

An excellent debut as leader, the originals present are just as memorable as the standards, as Keefe and company perform with a top notch interaction that’s focused and imaginative.

Travels well with: Melvin Smith- Perseverance; Hollywood Paul Litteral- Legacy

Melvin Smith

Perseverance

MISMWO, 2023

8/10

Listen to Perseverance

The veteran saxophone player Melvin Smith is in fine company here, where Jeb Patton, Greg Lewis, Corcoran Holt and Jeremy Warren help him pay tribute to musical mentors, family members, and supporters across these 11 tracks.

“Sound For Sore Ears” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where Holt’s bouncy bass and Smith’s glowing sax make an indelible impression, and “Karita” follows with Warren’s fluid drumming anchoring the dynamic and rich climate.

“Letter To The Ancestors” arrives in the middle, and showcases the soulful sax amid Lewis’ finger acrobatics on organ, while the stylish “One By One” is full of frisky melodies and a very meticulous rhythm section.

The title track and “Golden” arrive late in the listen, where the former allows Patton’s exceptional piano playing to shine, and the later bops and shakes with infectious rhythm in the Jill Scott song.

Smith brings a lifetime of experience and skill to this listen, where he flirts with spiritual and funk moments and is never short on passion or intellect, either.

Travels well with: Hollywood Paul Litteral- Legacy; 3D Jazz Trio- 9 To 5

Hilary Tann

Luminaria Magna

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Luminaria Magna

The esteemed composer Hilary Tann pens a very lyrical oriented listen here, where the voices of Cappella Clausura (led by Amelia LeClair) and the exceptional organ performance of Heinrich Christiansen are front and center for the inspirational affair.

“Embertides” starts the listen with Christensen’s soothing organ in the unique opener, and “The Moor” follows with Janet Stone, Adriana Repetto, and Shannon Larkin’s sopranos and Barbara Hill, Lisa Hadley and Lisa Bloom’s altos meshing for a very powerful and soaring vocal piece.

Further on, “Wales, Our Land”, welcomes Vanessa Mulvey’s dreamy flute amid the Cappella Clausura for the elegant and poetic delivery, while “Children Of Grace” hosts Adriana Repetto and Lisa Bloom’s stunning solos alongside Christensen’s emotive organ presence.

A couple of the best songs reside at the end, where “Incline Thine Ear (Psalm 86)” showcases Geoffrey Shamu’s bright trumpet that complements the intimate singing, and “Praise, My Soul (Psalm 104)” recruits Liz Jewell’s animated trumpet and Thomas Valle-Hoag’s skilled bass for the busy, highly textured finish.

The text present spotlights the rich legacy of Welsh hymnals, and also draws inspiration from Japanese Haiku and plainsong traditions. Tann’s body of work is nothing short of stunning, and these richly sacred pieces certainly continue that trend.

Travels well with: Edward Hart- Under An Indigo Sky; Jeffrey Hall- Artifacts

Edward Hart

Under An Indigo Sky

Navona, 2023

8/10

Listen to Under An Indigo Sky

A body of work that showcases two concertos that celebrate and illuminate the history and culture of the Southeastern United States, the Charleston South Carolina native Edward Hart sees his vision brought to life thanks to Yuriy Bekker, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and the Harlem Quartet.

The title track starts the listen with Bekker’s lively and very diverse violin alongside the booming, melodic and unpredictable sounds of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, who use giant percussive sounds and swift, flowing strings to paint a very colorful picture.

“A Charleston Concerto” makes up the 2nd half of the listen, and it includes the Harlem Quartet, i.e. Ilmar Gavilán and Melissa White’s expressive violins, Jaime Amador’s moody viola and Felix Umansky’s playful cello. Together, with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, they make for very busy moments as well as calm, intimate gestures of beauty.

Ken Lam handles conducting duties across the listen, as Hart focuses on the natural beauty and multicultural heritage of his homeland with timeless and moving chamber and orchestral ideas that we could never tire of.

Travels well with: Amaro Dubois- Luz; Jeffrey Hall- Artifacts

Lauren Morrow

People Talk

Big Kitty, 2023

8/10

Listen to People Talk

The Nashville guitarist and singer-songwriter Lauren Morrow is certainly well versed in country sounds, but there’s also plenty of ‘90s rock and ‘80s New Wave to be absorbed across these memorable 10 tracks.

“I’m Sorry” gets the listen off to a gentle start, where Morrow’s alluring voice is met with Nick Buda’s agile drumming and Jason Morrow’s warm guitar, as a very powerful landscape unfolds, and “Only Nice When I’m High” follows with Ted Pecchio’s playful bass and Morrow’s diverse pipes guiding the roots rock.

Halfway through, “Looking For Trouble” recruits Carl Broemel’s well timed sax and soulful backing vocals for the richly textured album highlight, while “Hustle” is populated by Lloyd Green’s frisky pedal steel and Joshua Hedley’s much appreciated fiddle for the quirky, upbeat demeanor.

“Leona” arrives close to the end, and places Whit Wright and Phillip Sterk on pedal steel for the soft versus firm dynamics, and “Birthday” exits with Morrow’s gentle voice and spirited electric guitar in the bare but impactful finish.

Previously the front woman for the outfit The Whiskey Gentry, Morrow is carving out a significant solo career with this unique version of Americana, and it will be exciting to see what follows.

Travels well with: Jaimee Harris- Boomerang Town; Tiffany Williams- All Those Days Of Drinking Dust

Isaiah J. Thompson

The Power Of The Spirit

Blue Engine, 2023

9/10

Listen to The Power Of The Spirit

The rising pianist Isaiah J. Thompsons brings us his key skills via this live recording that was captured on January 13, 2020, September 2-3. 2021 and April 4, 2022, at Jazz At Lincoln Center’s Dizzy’s Club.

After the brief introduction that is “Welcome”, the set gets underway with the lively and dynamic keys of “The IT Department”, which welcomes bright brass and playful drums to the timeless jazz demeanor.

Further along, the strong attention to atmosphere that is “For Phineas” quickly builds into a busy and hard hitting jazz rocker, while “Tales Of The Elephant And The Butterfly” benefits from the rumbling keys and soulful sax that is quite robust.

Close to the end, “Thank You Betsy” brings an intimate spirit to the stirring piano of the album’s best, and the title track exits the listen with firm keys, animated drumming, dancing bass and a whole of fun in the 15+ minutes of exceptional jazz.

Thompson tips his hat to legends like Bobby Timmons, Phineas Newborn Jr., and Cedar Walton, and he’s clearly paving a path to a level alongside his idols with his powerful, meticulous and exciting piano playing.

Travels well with: Ben Wolfe- Unjust; Christian McBride’s New Jawn- Prime

Alice Howe

Circumstance

Self-Released, 2023

9/10

Listen to Circumstance

The Los Angeles singer-songwriter and guitarist Alice Howe made quite an impression with her debut album, Visions, and this follow up is equally well done, where her honest, authentic and emotional qualities are front and center across 11 warm tracks.

“You’ve Been Away So Long” starts the listen with Howe’s soaring and expressive pipes alongside Freebo’s cozy bass and Will McFarlane’s spirited electric guitar in the lush climate, and “Somebody’s New Lover” now follows with an upbeat demeanor that benefits from Howe’s acoustic guitar prowess as well as Clayton Ivey’s Hammond B3 organ.

Further on, “Things I’m Not Saying” lands in intimate territory, where Vinny Ciesielski’s trumpet and Mike Guinn’s sax help cultivate an R&B mood, while “Something Calls To Me” places Jeff Fielder on slide guitar for the swampy blues album highlight.

Approaching the end, “Travelin’ Soul” touches on country ideas amid Justin Holder’s agile drumming and Howe’s vivid storytelling, and “It’s How You Hold Me” exits with a stirring presence of Mark Jordan’s piano and poetic singing populating the soulful ballad.

Fans of Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile and Bonnie Raitt won’t have any problems enjoying Howe’s craft, and at the rate she produces quality music, it won’t be long until her impact mirrors those legends, too.

Travels well with: Ali Sperry- In Front Of Us; Susan Cattaneo- All Is Quiet

Dalton Deschain & The Traveling Show

Casey

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Casey

A New York City outfit who embrace theatrical, circus influenced and experimental ideas, Dalton Deschain & The Traveling Show have been busy in recent years with releasing EPs, as Casey is their 4th, and finishes their trilogy off with a very unusual bang.

“Rabid” starts the quick listen with a bare intro that builds into a fuller punk fueled affair, as the backing female vocals complement the shifting tempos and volume, and “Interstitial (Tethered)” follows with an ambient setting of psyche-circus fun where strings and jazz are present and welcomed.

“Man/Things” ends the quick listen with a diverse delivery of forceful punk energy as well as ebbs of delicate beauty in the thrashing bouts and restrained moodiness, as the band get quite intricate, but never alienate the listener.

An EP that also comes with a 60 page book, Dalton Deschain and company are nothing if not unique, and their pulp-punk formula is both dark and comical, and always innovative in unexpected ways.

Travels well with: Darla Farmer- Rewiring The Electric Forest; David Bowie- Diamond Dogs